Enema Use and Acceptability in HIV Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men

A Randomized, Blinded, Comparative Study of the Mucosal Toxicity, Colorectal Distribution, and Participant Acceptability of Three Different Preparatory Enemas (Hypo-, Iso-, and Hyper-osmolar)

This study is looking at 3 different types of enemas used before receptive anal intercourse in men who have sex with men (MSM). We are investigating whether the enemas cause any damage to the lining of the colon, how far up the colon the enemas travel after they are given, and how much study participants like using each of the enemas.

Research participants who are deemed eligible after screening will return for a baseline evaluation. The baseline visit includes clinical evaluation and colon tissue collection, as well as a Baseline Behavioral Questionnaire (BBQ). The BBQ will be administered by Computer Assisted Self-Interview (CASI). Participants may complete the web-based CASI in the privacy of their own home.

Following the baseline visit, participants will be randomized into one of three groups. Each group will receive enemas of varying osmolality (molecule concentrations) in a different sequence according to study stage. During each stage of enema test product use participants will receive a single inpatient dose followed by three outpatient doses to be used in the context of Receptive Anal Intercourse (RAI).

This study will involve 3 stages of enema test product use. Each stage is identical, with the exception of the enema osmolality. Each stage includes an inpatient period and an outpatient period. The time period between stages 1, 2, and 3 will be approximately 2-6 weeks to allow for a recovery period, opportunities for product use, and appointment availability. The participant's inpatient portion of the study will take place as scheduling permits after the at-home enema use is complete.

During each stage, the participant is admitted to the inpatient unit for <48 hours, placed on a clear liquid diet, and has an interval medical history and directed physical exam. The following day the 125ml study enema is radiolabeled and administered to the participant. Over an approximately 25 hour time period, the participant will undergo pharmacokinetic studies involving blood drawing, colon tissue sample collection by flexible sigmoidoscopy, and imaging by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/ paired with x-ray Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT). The participant will then be discharged home with 3 doses of study enema. Participants will be instructed to allow for an approximately 72 hour recovery period (to ensure healing of the colon tissue biopsy sites) prior to initiating use of the study product on an outpatient basis, if applicable. Subjects will be encouraged to use the study product on 3 separate occasions in the context of RAI. As with standard HIV counseling, participants will be encouraged to use condoms. After each outpatient use the subject will complete a Brief Acceptability Questionnaire (BAQ). Then at the end of each stage of enema test article use, the subject will complete a Product Acceptability Questionnaire (PAQ).

Study Exit Interview At completion of all 3 stages the participant will complete an Overall Product Preference Questionnaire (OPPQ) administered by CASI followed by and in-depth interview.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male

• ≥ Age of 18

• HIV-1 status antibody negative as documented at screening

• A history of RAI at least twice per month in the prior 3 months*

  • Required to assure that subjects are likely to complete each stage of enema test article use in a reasonable amount of time.

• History of enema use prior to RAI at least some of the time

• Willing to use each study product prior to RAI on 3 separate occasions.

• Willing to refrain from RAI for 48 hours before and after inpatient periods.

• Willing to use condoms for the duration of the study

• Availability to return for all study visits, barring unforeseen circumstances

• Understands and agrees to local Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) reporting requirements

• Able and willing to communicate in English

• Able and willing to provide written informed consent to take part in the study

• Able and willing to provide adequate information for locator purposes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female
• HIV positive at baseline
• History of inflammatory bowel disease
• Active inflammatory condition of the GI tract at baseline
• Active rectal infection at Visit 2 (Infections identified during the screening period must be treated prior to Visit 2)
• Presence of any painful anorectal conditions that would be tender to manipulation. (Participants with hemorrhoids and/or anal warts that are not painful may participate.)
• History of prosthetic cardiac valves, including bioprosthetic and homograft valves, previous bacterial endocarditis, surgically constructed systemic pulmonary shunts or conduits, and complex cyanotic congenital heart disease such as single ventricle states, transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot or similar conditions that put the subject at high risk for bacteremia during endoscopy, hence requiring antibiotic prophylaxis.
• Unwillingness to refrain from chronic use of aspirin and NSAIDs.
• Use of warfarin or heparin
• Use of systemic immunomodulatory medications within 72 hours of Visit 2 baseline
• Use of rectally administered medications, including over-the-counter enemas, within 72 hours of Visit 2 baseline
• Use of product containing nonoxynol-9 rectally within 72 hours of Visit 2
• Use of any investigational products within 72 hours of Visit 2 baseline
• Any other clinical condition or prior therapy that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for the study or unable to comply with the study requirements. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, current or recent history of severe, progressive, or uncontrolled renal, hepatic, hematological, gastrointestinal, endocrine, pulmonary, neurological, cerebral disease, or coagulopathies.